The historical week-long Dussehra festival in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu district began on Friday amidst elaborate security arrangements, a district official said.
The internationally renowned festival is unique as it gets underway when Dussehra festivities culminate in the rest of the country and unlike other places, effigies of Ravan, Meghnad and Kumbhakaran are not burnt here.
Governor of the hill-state Acharya Devvrat inaugurated the International Loknritya Utsav Kullu Dussehra 2018 at Lal Chand Prarthi Kala Kendra, the official said.
The governor accompanied by his wife Darshana Devi also took part in the lord Raghunath Rath Yatra which began in the afternoon, he added.
Speaking on the occasion, the governor said, "The culture of Himachal Pradesh has a distinct identity. The festivals celebrated here round the year provide a glimpse of rich traditions and beliefs of the people."
Elaborate security arrangements were put in place for the mega festival, police said.
Kullu deputy commissioner and vice president of International Dussehra Utsav Committee, Yunus, reviewed the arrangements made for the festival in a meeting with the officials of different departments on Thursday.
The area was divided into various sectors, the deputy commissioner said, adding that sector magistrates and sector officials were asked to focus on their areas and inform immediately in case of any problem.
They were asked to hold daily meetings with committee representatives to review the arrangements, the deputy commissioner said.
Meanwhile, 20 special parking sites were set up to ensure smooth flow of traffic, Kullu superintendent of police Shalini Agnihotri said.
Over 225 deities from various parts of Kullu district are participating in this festival at the historic Dhalpur maidan to pay obeisance to lord Raghunath.
Transport Minister Govind Thakur, MLAs and several officers were also present on the occasion.
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